Certain groups trying to create unrest by siding with Baul Abul Sarkar, alleges Jamaat

The Jamaat-e-Islami has accused certain groups of attempting to create unrest in the country by siding with Manikganj Baul artiste Abul Sarkar, who was recently arrested over allegations of hurting religious sentiments.

In a statement issued today (29 November) following the party’s annual Majlis-e-Shura session in Dhaka, Jamaat described Abul Sarkar as an “absconding ally of the Awami League” and demanded that he receive “appropriate punishment”.

“The Baul artiste has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim majority by making obscene and unacceptable comments. Following public outrage, the government was compelled to arrest him. Various sources indicate that he is a fugitive associate of the Awami League. He must be given due punishment,” reads the statement.

Jamaat alleged that certain groups are now “engaged in a planned effort to create unrest in the country by taking his side”, and urged the government to put an immediate stop to such “malicious activities”.

The party warned that public patience might soon run out, risking a deterioration of the law-and-order situation.

The proposal adopted at the Shura meeting further reiterated Jamaat’s long-standing demand for an election conducted under the proportional representation (PR) system to ensure a terror-free and corruption-free electoral environment.

“The government has still failed to create an atmosphere conducive to a free, fair, neutral and participatory election,” the statement said. “We strongly calls on the government to accept the five-point demands jointly raised by Jamaat and seven other Islamic parties, and take decisive steps to ensure a truly free and fair election.”

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman presided over the session held at the Al-Falah Auditorium.